The late-breaking news that Joel Embiid was available did not jolt the Sixers back to winning ways. The team instead suffered a dismal defeat Monday night, blowing a 19-point advantage in the second quarter and falling to a 106-89 loss to the Heat. The Sixers now sit at 2-11, the Heat at 6-7.
Listed as doubtful with an illness for much of Monday, Embiid was officially upgraded to available about 30 minutes before tip-off. He posted 11 points on 5-for-11 shooting, eight rebounds and five assists. Jared McCain was the Sixers' top scorer with 20 points, reaching that number for a fifth consecutive game.
Paul George had 18 points on 5-for-13 shooting, six rebounds, five assists and three steals. Miami got a 30-point, 10-rebound performance from Jimmy Butler. Tyler Herro added 18 points, including 16 in the third quarter.
Tyrese Maxey (right hamstring strain) missed his sixth consecutive game because of a right hamstring strain. The Heat's Jaime Jaquez Jr. (right ankle sprain) and Terry Rozier (right foot discomfort) were sidelined.
The Sixers will finish their three-game road trip Wednesday night against the Grizzlies. Here are observations on their loss in Miami: George scored the Sixers’ first five points, Butler the Heat’s first four. In his return from a sprained right ankle, Butler was physical and forceful early.
His and-one layup on former teammate Caleb Martin gave Miami a 20-15 edge. The Sixers leaned on George for nearly the entire first quarter. He scored a dozen p.